INDIANAPOLIS – The IU Indy women's basketball team defeated Cleveland State with a statement 78–70 Horizon League victory Tuesday night at The Jungle. The win marked the Jaguars' first win over the Vikings since March of 2022.
Nevaeh Foster knocked down six three-pointers to help secure the win for the Jags.
IU Indy faced an early challenge in the opening quarter, as Cleveland State held the Jaguars to 33 percent shooting and built a slim 14–11 lead after 10 minutes of play. Despite the slow start, the Jaguars stayed composed defensively and kept the deficit manageable heading into the second period.
The momentum shifted in the second quarter as IU Indy found its groove from beyond the arc. The Jaguars knocked down four three-pointers and shot 50 percent from the floor, outscoring the Vikings 22–14 in the frame. A late surge helped IU Indy take a 33–28 advantage into halftime and seize control of the game.
Coming out of the break, IU Indy continued to apply pressure in the third quarter. The Jaguars shot over 61 percent from the field in the period and tallied 23 points, holding off multiple Cleveland State runs to maintain their lead heading into the final quarter. Foster knocked down her fifth three of the game at the buzzer to give the Jags a 56-49 edge.
The Jaguars put the game away in the fourth quarter. IU Indy shot better than 53 percent from the floor and capitalized at the free-throw line while making key defensive stops, closing out the eight-point victory in front of the home crowd.
Nevaeh Foster led IU Indy with 22 points, knocking down six three-pointers and delivering timely scoring throughout the night.
Destini Craig followed with 19 points, consistently attacking the basket, while
Hailey Smith recorded 14 points, eight rebounds, six assists and four steals.
Olivia Smith also chipped in 11 points, as the Jaguars finished the game shooting nearly 50 percent from the field and claimed an important Horizon League win.
The Jags improve to 9-13 on the season with a 5-8 mark in the Horizon League. IU Indy will now take to the road as they travel to Wright State on Saturday, February 7 to face the Raiders.
